The orphaned calf in early May, days before tourists tried to rescue it. The calf remained near this spot, about 35 yards from the road, and soon it began approaching vehicles in the same area. (Deby Dixon)

Editor’s note: Deby Dixon is a wildlife and nature photographer who lives outside Yellowstone National Park. She wrote this essay after the park euthanized a baby bison that it said had been rejected by its herd due to the “interference” of tourists who tried to rescue it by putting it in their car. The tourists later defended their action, saying they were trying to help the calf. This essay is adapted from an article that first appeared on the website National Parks Traveler.

GARDINER, Mont. — I met the bison calf that took a ride in an SUV early one evening as I drove west in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley, past the pullout known as “Picnic.” The late afternoon sun on a stormy landscape provided the light that we photographers dream of for shooting gorgeous mountains in the distance and wild animals on the horizon.

I spotted the calf near the road and all alone. It was crying out and seemed to be looking for its mother, but no other bison was anywhere close by. Instantly, I knew three things: The calf was orphaned or had become separated from its mother. The calf would not be adopted by another cow and could not survive alone, and so it was just a matter of time before it died or was killed. And I wanted a photo of that calf, in order to remember its short life.

Every year in Lamar Valley, we see bison calves by themselves, destined to perish. Their mothers might have died in childbirth, abandoned them or become separated during a river crossing. We watch as the calf runs from cow to cow, looking for its mother. We watch the other cows react with violence, particularly if the calf attempts to nurse. A wild bison cow will not adopt another’s calf. I have seen calves take up with bulls, which sometimes tolerate them. But eventually the calves are too weak to keep up during the daily roaming and are most likely captured by a coyote, wolf or bear.

Earlier this year, I watched a young calf run from herd to herd while a coyote followed behind. The calf did not seem to know that the coyote presented danger and ran right up to it and sniffed its nose. This was a tragic sight to watch: A healthy calf expending so much energy to find a home, and that coyote, always close behind. Before long, calf and coyote disappeared down the hill and onto the valley floor. To my knowledge, the calf was never seen again.

Yellowstone is wild — one of the only intact eco-systems in our country, with the plants and animals required to maintain a healthy balance. This is a place where people can come to see bison, wolves, bears, coyotes, moose, marmots, badgers, beavers and otters — all in one day and living free. Although we regulars get to know certain animals and become fond of them, they are not our pets, and we are not in charge of whether they live or die.

This might sound harsh, but is the way of the wild. It is breathtakingly beautiful and fascinating — and it is also heartbreaking on a daily basis.

A different bison calf with its mother on a hill in the area of Yellowstone known as Little America. (Deby Dixon)

I view Yellowstone as nature’s classroom. It is my belief that the wildlife of Yellowstone, when viewed by millions of visitors, are the ambassadors that will enable the survival of animals outside of the park, because they teach us to understand animals’ necessity and care about their existence. Most who come to Yellowstone do not want to see a concrete world without wild animals, clear running rivers and beautiful wildflowers.

But for most of us, it is only natural to see a wild animal in distress and want to help it survive. I have felt my heart break for many an orphaned calf, wishing that there was some way to help but knowing that it would not be the way of the wild world if I interfered. And so sometimes, I just have to walk away and let nature take its course, without watching.

A bison calf nuzzles its mother, who seemed to be dying of old age, in 2015. Bison have calves right up to the end of their lives, and they tend to go off by themselves to die, lingering quietly for many months until their bodies give out. (Deby Dixon)

On the day I saw the orphaned bison calf that would later be picked up by tourists, I turned around and went back to photograph it. By that time, it had grown tired and bedded in the sagebrush above the rushing Lamar River. I took a few photos of the calf with the mountains in the background, and I watched as every few minutes it would stand up to look around, then plop back to the ground. Tears ran down my cheeks as I walked away, knowing the calf would soon be dead. I wanted to remember the youngster wild and free, on a hill in Lamar Valley.

I saw it in the same spot over the next two days. On the third day, when I heard from a tour guide that the calf was walking up to cars, I did not return to look. I knew that visitors would be clamoring to take its photo and that they would not fully understand its predicament. I knew that some would feel distressed over the calf’s plight and want to help. But never did I dream that some people would put the calf into their car and carry it to a ranger station in search of help.

I do not condemn the people who picked up the orphaned calf. I understand and know that they thought that they were doing the right thing — because out there on the other side of Yellowstone’s boundaries, people help wildlife all of the time. These tourists could not have known that the bison calf was an orphan and that no other female bison would adopt and care for it. They could not have known that the calf would die, as nature intended, despite their efforts.

The park service, apparently not realizing that the calf had been abandoned or orphaned for several days, attempted to return it to Lamar Valley, but there was no mother waiting for her baby. Rather than let people stand by and watch this creature perish or be killed, or cause an accident by running into the road, the park service ended the calf’s life. If you are in Yellowstone long enough to see animals suffer and die, you will know that when all was said and done, this was a kind ending for the calf that took a ride in a car.

A just-born calf kicks up its heels during a light snowstorm at Yellowstone. (Deby Dixon)

When it comes to suffering or struggling wildlife, Yellowstone has a policy to not intervene unless the condition was human-caused, though it has at times made exceptions. But for this motherless calf, there was no help.

Our job is to accept nature on nature’s terms. But to do that, we need more educational programs that can teach people just what that means. The National Park Service needs more rangers out in the park and interacting with visitors, teaching them about this place called Yellowstone that I love so much.

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"The dimensions of your commentary and descriptions that I most appreciate, are the ethical conduct with respect to the animals and with respect to other visitors and photographers. You are very respectful of others including the animals and point out hypocrisy that exists in the real Yellowstone world. The effects of humans in close proximity of the animals, e.g., wolves, has had an affected the animal behavior. You have described and shown in your photographs some of these effects and how these interactions result in dangerous results when animals wander out if the park." Robert Neumuller

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"I have been visiting Yellowstone a couple of times a year since I was young. Love the park. My visits are never long enough ranging from day trips to my longest stay ... an entire week. Being an "outsider", not one that is there everyday, most of the regulars are unwilling to share any information...about anything. Others are rude. Deby is different. I was fortunate to meet her last spring, she is more than willing to stop and talk and share. I even messaged her and she was so polite to respond, answering my questions. Hope to someday be able to have her as a personal guide. She cares, about the animals, the people, and sharing the park." Jeanne Blakesly

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"I fell in love with Yellowstone 4 years ago. I found Deby about 2 years ago and have found her love and genuine live for the well being of the animals in Yellowstone to be very genuine. Her pictures are an example of her love of this amazing place. Her writing is heartfelt and honest. Even when it is hard, she speaks the truth with love. I hope to meet her one day. You would be missing out if you did not take this chance to learn from a very talented photographer and a true advocate for what is best for the animals of Yellowstone." Lorraine Robertson

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"My husband and I go to Yellowstone every spring. Several years ago we saw a bunch of cars pulled over near the petrified tree road. It was early morning and the sun had just come up. I have a bad leg due to a car accident many years ago so my husband dropped me off near all the photographers and went to find a place to park. I came limping up to the group and asked what people were seeing. Debbie, you were the only one kind enough to answer that three wolves were hanging out down below. You smiled and offered to let me look through a scope. You noticed I was limping and took my arm and graciously helped me over to the scope. I looked through the scope and was instantly in awe. Three large beautiful wolves. It was unbelievable. Then they began to howl. I had never heard wolves howl before. It took my breath away it was so magical. My husband joined us and also was able to see the wolves through your scope. It is one of my favorite memories of Yellowstone. Thank you so much for your kindness and giving me this experience. Now I follow you on Facebook and am able to feel like I am in the park every time I read your post and see your pictures." Don-Sharon Knicely

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"There just aren't enough words to say how much Deby Dixon's photographs have brightened my life! I will say Thank You for bringing the beautiful nature of Yellowstone to me! I'm hoping one day to see it myself, that's my dream. Till then, I'll be a faithful follower of Deby Dixon!!!" Pam Seierson

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"The past two summers, while in Yellowstone, my son and I have been fortunate to come across Deby while watching wolves. It's always great having our paths cross, as she generously shares her stories and knowledge of the wolf families she knows and follows." Kimberly Steiner

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"Deby Dixon, I had been going to Yellowstone for several years before I met you just to view wolves. They were the only reason for my trips to the park and after meeting you and following you online I have learned so much more about them. But I have also learned to love the other animals because of your posts and I got to see Snow, my favorite grizzly bear, and watch her with her mother thanks to you. I always enjoy seeing you when I'm in the park and I enjoy your posts very much!" Judy McMullen

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"I recently heard Deby Dixon was beginning a guiding service in Yellowstone. I've spent a good bit of time with Deby in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. She will be an amazing guide. She is an excellent photographer, extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable of the park animals, and most importantly, a wonderful observer. She can look around and see more than almost anyone I know. She not only knows where to find animals, she knows how to anticipate what they will do and is fantastic at interpreting their actions. I would highly recommend her to anyone wishing to see and photograph wildlife in Yellowstone." J. Brown

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Deby Dixon reached out to me on my first visit to Yellowstone in 2015. I was thrilled to have a private tour of Yellowstone with her for a day. It was a privilege to be in the company of someone who not only has the knowledge of the park but also her photography. I go every year now, and look forward to seeing her. Each time I learn something new from her. From tracking animals. How to spot if there are wolves around by reading the landscape other wildlife and birds. She knows where to look for wildlife and makes sure you get to see and photograph them. Please don't hesitate to reserve your spot. You won't be disappointed. You won't find anyone more truthful, polite or who cares more about Yellowstone and the park then Deby. Morlene Rummel

I am so thankful that so many people got to read this. You did an excellent job of describing the beauty of the natural world in YNP. I know you taught many readers things they didn’t know about our beautiful park. Thank you Deby!